Dentures have come a long way. Long maligned as a last resort option for those who had given up on their natural teeth, they have a reputation for fitting poorly, feeling uncomfortable, and looking unattractive.
Times have changed. Dentures in Crescent Heights are modern and effective solutions for tooth loss. As long as they’re properly crafted, fitted and maintained, modern dentures resemble your natural teeth in their healthiest state. Let’s make sure that you have the best and most current information about dentures today. Here are five essential facts — including a couple of misconceptions — that you should know and keep in mind while you consider all your options. For answers to all your questions and to find out if getting dentures near you may be a good solution for your needs, make an appointment with the professional and caring staff at Destination Dental.
● Dentures can come in full or partial sets, depending on whether you are looking to replace all or just some of your teeth (on top, bottom, or both). You’ll work with a dentist at Crescent Heights Dental Clinic to design your dentures to match any remaining teeth and suit your mouth and face.
● Denture materials have changed. Porcelain and plastic dentures are a thing of the past. Today, dentures are made of resin (the teeth) and a flexible polymer (the gums). You can extend the life of your dentures by caring for them carefully, but replacement is recommended after five years.
● If you’re gradually losing teeth or your existing teeth are wearing down, switching to dentures can prevent infections and eliminate pain.
● There is an oft-repeated misconception that dentures require adhesive. Dentures do not require adhesive. Modern dentures fit so perfectly to your mouth and jaw that they’re effectively held in place by suction.
● A second common misconception about dentures is that wearers suffer a wide range of diet restrictions. It’s not true. With modern dentures, you can eat just about anything you want with three primary exceptions: sticky foods, hard foods, and gum.
What are the advantages of dentures?
For people who have lost multiple teeth, choosing to get dentures in Crescent Heights can be transformative. Living long-term with multiple missing teeth can make day-to-day swallowing, chewing, and even speaking much more difficult. That can affect your general health, your digestive system, and almost certainly your apparent credibility and confidence.
Many people living with multiple gaps in their teeth find simply chewing and eating painful. You may have become so accustomed to the discomfort that you forget what it’s like to be able to eat and chew more normally. Dentures can free you from discomfort and pain.
Living with multiple missing teeth in any row can lead to a misshapen face. Over time, you may experience the sagging of facial tissue causing changes in your appearance. Dentures will replace the missing structure behind your lips and around your mouth. You’ll no longer feel the need to hide your face behind your hand or avoid intimate moments or photographs on special occasions.
Are there disadvantages to dentures?
There is no getting around the fact that dentures are not natural teeth. A dentist near you will work with you to prevent the need for dentures in the future if that’s a particularly acute concern.
Getting new dentures every five years or so can be a nuisance, but is necessary because your face and mouth change with time and as you age. To maximize the advantages of dentures, it’s essential to ensure the best possible fit on an ongoing basis.
Dentures can be expensive. Dentures provide real value considering the costs, complications, and impacts of partial or complete toothlessness, but the initial cost of dentures can be significant.
Dentures are not the ideal solution for everyone. If you’re concerned about these disadvantages, your dentist in Inglewood may suggest other solutions.
Facing the need for dentures can be stressful and even embarrassing. With the best information and support, it doesn’t need to be. If you’re concerned about your current dentures or ready to address your own current or pending tooth loss, contact a Crescent Heights dentist to learn more about your best options.